Intelligentsia Coffee - Logan Square

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	2642 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Phone:	+1 773-945-1690
Site:	intelligentsiacoffee.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	6:30AM–8PM 6:30AM–8PM 6:30AM–8PM 6:30AM–8PM 6:30AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

Brooke Hutchison

If you love coffee and you know anything about Chicago coffee, you of course know that Intelligentsia is fantastic. Their coffee is delicious, full of flavor, and brewed to perfection. There are multiple Intelligentsia locations in the city, in addition to the bag of beans sold in local grocery stores, but you should come HERE to try the Black Cat Shake. I know, I know, its not pure coffee, but dont worry, youll survive. Here is how they describe it: "The Black Cat Shake is a 16oz drink with two full shots of Black Cat Classic and ten and half ounces of Jenis sweet cream flavored ice cream." Seriously, its so good. And this is the only location to get it! As much as I love my traditional coffee, this is location is worth traveling to, just to experience the Black Cat Shake.

Trevor Hateley

Jerk behind the counter on the day I went. I asked for a recommendation, and the guy started to talk about coffee and coffee facts and coffee history and coffee trivia, so I said Im a little overwhelmed and just need a recommendation, and the guy said he couldnt do that. I ended up picking a cup at random that was bitter and terrible. Cafe Con Leche has a much better cup, and is just a few doors down. edit: Since writing this review Ive received hate messages from intelligentsia loyalists. I consider this a great achievement, so Ill make sure to 1-star every Intelligentsia my friends drag me to from this point forward, while sipping a superior cup of gas station coffee.

Mimosa Shah

Its hard to deny the aesthetic appeal of this Euro-style coffeehouse complete with a cant miss bar that focuses your eyes immediately upon the baristas attending to their staff. My complementary glass of water was filled attentively while another person prepared my drink - a special that included something rose-y with caffeine, hardly an option to be refused at that magical hour between lunch and something else. I am happy to see the latest installment of this fine institution in Logan Square, but I am also a little nostalgic about seeing something so refined, precious really in a space that hasnt seen the likes of such gentrification in ages.

Dana Bassett

So, of course, we all know the deal with Intelligentsia. The coffee is good -> great, they poached a bunch of baristas from around town, but I guess even that is fine with me. I was even warming up to the place when they took away the booths in the front and replaced them with hipster stools, rendering it impossible for anyone to hang out there for any extended amount of time. I thought that the Starbucks on California was bad... at least they let you sit in their cafe. I get it, intelligentsia, you want my money but you dont want me in your cafe. When are they going to add outlets to the coffee bar!? Its just totally ridiculous.

Jennifer Wisniewski

Super stoked about how great this place is - coffee, baked goods, the great euro style cafe/coffee bar setup... just beautiful. However, there is no way to easily sit here and work. I have no problem purchasing a coffee, then lunch to work at a place for a few hours where I can zone into whatever Im doing. There arent many plugs and theyre "across the way" with awkward seating next to them that is extremely uncomfortable and not ergonomically safe. Bummer, cause I really dig the vibe here. Hopefully they can work something out for people to be able to stay more than 45 mins.

Jeewant Kaushal

Judging the place solely on coffee alone would make this my ideal local coffee place. I usually go to this location when Im sleeping over at my fiancés place. For whatever reason their latte or even regular coffee just has that omph factor to it. Granted there is plenty of other coffee options in Logan square, but it never hurts to have plenty of good options to diversify the coffee routine. Beware, their cup sizes are a tad small for the price they charge, but nonetheless its a good guilty pleasure option when craving gourmet coffee.

narni ilagan yoder

they are bit inconsistent at this location. i usually order a 2 % angeleno -- one time they used too little vanilla syrup, the next time, way too much. also, i tried one of their experiments / drinks of the day w/ rose water. it was ok, but too watered down -- probably better off using a double shot of espresso vs. iced coffee. the concept is more of a coffee bar, but its definitely a little chaotic for folks to order. i think they are still working out the kinks.

Jon Roller

I love this place. It is the best coffee shop I have been to on 3 continents. They have the best coffee, but what really makes it great are the friendly baristas. Theyll talk to you about the coffee, or chat about tv shows and comics. The actual physical bar with the stools is amazing. Take a few minutes when you come here to sit at a stool, watch your coffee or tea made and say hi to your barista friends. You will not be disappointed! :D

Jake Clampitt

I have to say, the new seating is a real bummer. I tried to work here once and it was just... Impossible. Of course the coffee is good, you expect that, but really the seating is what kills this location for me. Its undeniably uncomfortable, and was much better before the renovations. This is the only reason I have to give such a low rating. It really is that bad unfortunately. Save your gluteus some pain and grab a seat at the bar.

Kyle Emrick

Visited with the wife on a recent weekend and was a little disappointed to find out that, though they do make pourovers for patrons, they had no single origin offerings (although their featured blend was still good). Its is located in a very specialty coffee heavy area, and with a Bow Truss down the street offering an excellent selection of fantastic SO coffees theres really no compelling reason to patronize Intelligentsia.

Steven Vargas

Great spot on Milwaukee ave for a cafe. I generally like working with my laptop at Starbucks, but this seems more like a social place to me with an open air type of feel. Very modern-looking. Im not a coffee aficionado, but enjoy trying new things and learning from the baristas. I have to say, the seating isnt the most comfortable, but it does keep me moving along to my next destination...

Lauren Cali

I really really want to not like this place, but I just cant. Everyone is so friendly AND helpful. Their blackcat milkshake is ridiculously good. There isnt one drink I had that I didnt find just delightful. Sitting at the counter has a friendly bar vibe. I will say the seating overall isnt the most comfortable, which is why I give 4. Other than that- keep doing what youre doing!!

Adam Dorfman

You definitely are paying a premium when ordering coffee from here but, wow, is it worth it. The first cappuccino I had from here was a revelation and exceeded any other coffee drink I have purchased at any coffee shop in Logan Square. I love the minimal decor and the huge selection of beans but wish the service was a bit quicker.

Michael Evert

a fool and his money are soon parted, and whoever visits intelligensia is downright foolish. this place is all hype. in terms of quality and taste, its above most chains but the price is absurd. nearly $4 for a 4 oz. of regular drip coffee. better off buying coffee beans of similar quality and home-brewing for 25% of the cost